GolfOnline News Archives

Martin Kaymer preparing for PGA Championship

Wednesday, 23 May 2012 01:52 PM
German professional golfer Martin Kaymer has revealed he is delighted to go up against such a strong field at the BMW PGA Championship tomorrow May 24th, as some of the worlds biggest players stand off at the Wentworth Club in Surrey. The 27-year-old, who is currently ranked 11th in the world, is one of 14 major winners and one of nine former European Tour number ones to take part in the flagship tournament - which could see anyone take the crown. Also taking part in the prestigious event are the top three players in the world at the moment, Northern Irelands Rory McIlroy and English duo Luke Donald and Lee Westwood. An early exit at the Volvo Match Play Championship over the weekend allowed Kaymer to cheer on his team Bayern Munich who lost against Chelsea in the Champions League final last Saturday. But now, the talented professional - who has competed in eight tournaments this year so far - is determined his practice will make perfect and lead to success at the BMW PGA Championship. I was practising more than playing so far this year. I didnt play a lot of tournaments, but obviously it has a reason, he commented.Im just practising towards a goal and I think its pretty normal that you cant play great golf every week. Meanwhile, fellow major champion Ernie Els has made his own prediction for this weekends event, estimating a much lower winning score at the Wentworth Club on Sunday after several tweaks to the course over the past year. As part of the amendments, the 12th hole has been changed back to a par-five this year - measuring 531 yards - while a bank on the approach to the 15th has been flattened. In addition, a fringe has grown on the 17th to slow any straying shots and the last has also been altered. With good weather forecast for this weekend, Els said he is confident players will take advantage of more opportunities, while predicting last years winning total of six-under-par will be beaten. The scoring is going to be better, he remarked. I think 14, 16 under is going to be the winning score again. Hopefully we will have more smiling faces from the players this year. Els also claimed the bank on the 15th hole that is situated just before the green is unfair for those players using a long iron, stating it requires a flatter area so the ball could pitch and remain on the green. .. Full Story

Nicolas Colsaerts wins World Match Play Championship

Monday, 21 May 2012 04:43 PM
Belgian professional golfer Nicolas Colsaerts saw off competition from former US Open champion Graeme McDowell to take the crown at the Volvo Match Play Championship in Andalucia yesterday May 20th. The talented player fought through blustery conditions at Finca Cortesin to continue his fine form at events sponsored by the Swedish vehicle manufacturer following a triumph at the Volvo China Open last year. He also finished in third place at the 2011 Volvo World Match Play, fourth at the Volvo Golf Champions and second at the 2012 Volvo China Open. Colsaerts was tested throughout this weekends event by Northern Irishman McDowell, who levelled the competition three times on the front nine, while also managing to half a two-stroke deficit twice following the turn. The win has seen the 29-year-old, who is widely regarded for his powerful drive, move into the top 50 in the official world golf rankings and closer to a position in this years Ryder Cup. I played well in tough conditions. Wind like this, you know its going to be very difficult, commented the Belgian. Graeme McDowell, hes won the US Open, so hes used to playing in tough conditions. I knew that it was going to be a tough game in conditions like these. Meanwhile, there is everything to play for in the battle for the number one spot on the official world rankings as Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald prepare to head into action at this weekends BMW PGA Championship. Current number two Donald is the only player who can overthrow his Northern Irish rival for the number one spot, but he will need to repeat his 2011 victory at the event to return to pole position. If he does not manage to take the crown at the European Tours flagship event - as he did in a play-off round against Lee Westwood 12 months ago - the outcome will depend on McIlroys performance. Englishman Donald must finish in eighth place on his own or better to be in with a chance of reclaiming the title of best player in the world. A number of international professionals are also hoping for a good performance at the Wentworth Club this week to ensure their place for this years second major competition - the US Open - which gets underway in three weeks. Today was the cut-off date for players to qualify for the event through the top 60 in the official world golf rankings, with Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez in 60th place representing the last tour member to make it through. .. Full Story

Golfing legends aim for record books

Friday, 18 May 2012 04:42 PM
A pair of golfing legends are set to put their world-class skills to the test in a bid to break a record for speed golf this weekend. Scotlands Colin Montgomerie and South African Gary Player - who are aged 48 and 76 respectively - will join 23 strategically-placed players who will try to complete 18 holes in no longer than seven minutes and 56 seconds. Taking place at the London Club in Kent, the event will see three holes played six times each during the relay to create a 6,252-yard par 66 course. Joining Montgomerie and Player are fellow European Tour winners Oliver Fisher, Thomas Levet and Pablo Larrazabal, Solheim Cup player Melissa Reid and radio presenter Chris Evans. Setting a world record would be a fantastic achievement and I think we can definitely shave at least a few seconds off the current time, Montgomerie commented. The legend also said the experience will be something completely new for him to try out, despite his years as a professional.News brought to you by Golf Online, your online shop for golf equipment including golf clubs, golf clothing and golf balls .. Full Story

Man City players tee off in Spain

Thursday, 17 May 2012 04:48 PM
Manchester City players James Milner and Gareth Barry tried their hand at another sport as they joined English professional Robert Rock on the golf course in Spain yesterday May 16th. The footballers, who were also celebrating their call-up to the England Euro 2012 squad, were playing with their compatriot at the Pro-Am at the Volvo World Match Play Championship. It was during the game the talented Blues midfielders received a text from the English FA informing them of their selection by new manager Roy Hodgson in the teams 23-man squad for the European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine this summer. Barry and Milner were in a relaxed mood during the game despite finishing 22nd out of 24 teams in the Pro-Am, while picking up some golfing tips from former teaching professional Rock. I play at least once a week when the weather is good, but living in Manchester its not always that nice, commented Barry.News brought to you by Golf Online, your online shop for golf equipment including golf clubs, golf clothing and golf balls .. Full Story

Rossington Hall in running for European Tour tournament

Thursday, 17 May 2012 04:25 PM
Golf fans from around the world could soon descend upon Rossington Hall in Doncaster, which is under consideration to become a new tournament destination on the European Tour. A council-backed scheme currently being pulled together by a number of local land owners could see the location transformed into a world-class facility under the campaigns banner. The project would include an 18-hole golf course, a club house, leisure amenities, luxury homes set alongside the site, public footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways. In addition, individuals living nearby will be able to take advantage of the spacious areas wide variety of green space, as well as the creation of parkland and lakes. Mayor of Doncater Peter Davies said the move would be a great honour for the area and highlighted Doncasters numerous existing sports facilities. The attractive site at Rossington Hall is a perfect location for tournament golf, being minutes from Doncasters international airport and close to the planned link road leading to the national motorway network, he added.News brought to you by Golf Online, your online shop for golf equipment including golf clubs, golf clothing and golf balls .. Full Story

Branden Grace aiming for Volvo Slam

Wednesday, 16 May 2012 04:36 PM
South African golfer Branden Grace is aiming for success at this weekends World Match Play Championship to complete an unprecedented Volvo Slam after bagging two victories at events sponsored by the vehicle manufacturer in 2012. The talented player, who turned professional in 2007, triumphed at the Joburg Open on home soil in January and qualified for the Volvo Golf Champions the following week, where he defeated legends including Ernie Els and Retief Goosen in a play-off round. He then went on to win the Volvo China Open on his last outing on the European Tour last month, giving him the opportunity to rewrite the record books in his attempt to become the first Qualifying School graduate to win four times in his first season. Grace will go up against US professional Brandt Snedeker and Dane Thomas Bjorn in the group stage of the tournament, which kicks off tomorrow May 17th. Coinciding with his 24th birthday, the event could signal the start of a double celebration as the promising young player aims to continue his sensational 2012 season. I managed to get on to the course this morning and I am really, really feel comfortable and really looking forward to the week. The course is in great shape, he commented. Meanwhile, Swedish professional Robert Karlsson is gearing up for next weekends BMW PGA Tour after setting a new record over the West Course at the Wentworth Club two years ago with a nine-under-par 62. The 42-year-old achieved the accolade despite the fact he spent most of the previous night travelling to Monaco and back, believing he had missed the 36-hole cut and flying home to the principality on the Friday afternoon. However, receiving a phone call when he was just a few hundred metres from his front door, Karlsson embarked upon another journey to return to the competition where he proceeded to sink nine birdies in a flawless round. This year, the talented professional is looking to better his best performance in the event of tied third place in 2008, which was around the same time he was crowned European number one, when he heads back to the Surrey venue next week. His involvement in the competition comes after a promising start to the 2012 season, recording top-20 finishes at the WGC-Cadillac Championship and Volvo Golf Champions. Im looking forward to getting back to Wenworth and trying to match that score again. Ive had some good results in the BMW PGA Championship in the past but have never won it, so Id love to put that right this year, he commented. .. Full Story